Merchant newcomer, Kobe Senn, has hit the ground running in the amateur baseball scene.  Fresh off a Legion World Series appearance for Fargo Post 400 under a year ago, Senn has not had any trouble adjusting to the rigorous schedule and competition of amateur baseball.  This does not come as a surprise to those that know him best like Post 400 and Merchant founder, Jeff Gould.  "I knew Kobe would be a great addition to the Merchants.  He has always exhibited great leadership and baseball playing skills.  It's his attention to detail, lunch pail mentality, and great teammate qualities he displays on a daily basis that really make him a special player.  I knew he would be good but I didn't know he would be this good," chimed Gould after another big night from Senn in the Merchants 6-2 win over the Mudcats.

Kobe was 2 for 4 with a RBI on the night, the only Merchant player to reach multiple hits as the crafty Mudcat pitchers gave the Merchants all they could handle.  When reached for comment, Kobe had this to say of his performance.  "I'm really disappointed I only got two hits tonight.  I usually get four so I was a bit off.   I mean, I'm obviously the best player on the team.  I'm actually kind of sick of carrying everyone.  Hopefully the other guys will step it up soon because it's really getting old.”  Senn continued on, “Also, if the Merchants would play more games I'd break every record they have.  The only thing holding me back is me not being on the field every day.  And one more thing, that ground ball that hit me in the face?  Yeah, Helling field is awful.  When is the turf being installed like Starion?  And who aerates a field in the middle of the summer?  There were chunks of dirt poops all over the place.  I'm too good to play on those types of fields.  That's all."

Brandon Baumgartner had another strong performance on the mound going five innings allowing two runs on four hits while striking out five.  He has also taken on more managerial duties this year such as writing the check for the umpire and handing it to him before the game, a very important task.  There is great potential for him to do even more in the coming years and we’re excited to see what he can do.  Baumgartner added, “How did I not get the win tonight?  I pitch five innings of lights out ball and then Brooks comes in and vultures another win?  Ridiculous.  Need some more runs when I’m pitching, guys.”  The management future is bright for young Baumgartner for sure.

With the win, the Merchants improve to 8-0 on the year.  The last 8-0 start was a long time ago.  Probably back in the aluminum bat days when times were different, no cell phones, no roller equipment bag, and Erstad was only in his 12^th year of Merchant ball.

Next up, the Mets next Wednesday back at Helling Field.

*Note – JB did make his Merchant debut on the mound.  He took the ball from Brooks in the 9^th.  Literally took the ball from him on the mound and said, “I’m pitching (in Spanish),” and looked absolutely effortless firing mid-80’s heaters by the Mudcats to close out the game.  We have another arm in the stable which bodes well for the remainder of the season.

*Double Note – Tommy did his rookie 40.  He pounded the Olde English in 1 minute 36 seconds.  A very respectable effort but far off the record of Aussie Lewis Weldon’s 16 second mark.